Japan Unlikely to End Preparations before New Work Visa Launch

Tokyo, March 22 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is unlikely to finish its preparations for new visa categories to accept a large number of foreign workers before introducing them April 1.

The government is unsure when it will complete preparations that have been delayed, such as the conclusion of notes on cooperation with China and some other countries from which workers are expected to arrive, officials said.

On Friday, the government held a meeting of officials from relevant agencies at the prime minister's office.

"Preparations are under way," Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiro Sugita told the meeting. He instructed participants to step up preparations so that Japan can start the new system without a hitch.

He also requested that an expanded version of the government's comprehensive support measures for foreign workers be drawn up as early as June.